Chapter 82 - Leaving Syracuse (long chapter)

Dawn had arrived. The nobles came back to the City of Syracuse with a radiant smile, since they had been able to leave with their lives against the descent of a fake god. Many of them ver actually feeling invigorated, especially after being able to watch the clash from two legendary level experts, as well as the arrival of the Second Dragon General, Rafal Sen Buran.

All the children had been rescued, and as soon as they got into the city they were delivered to their families, who could hardly contain their happiness. The rumours about what had transpired in the battle quickly spread throughout the City of Syracuse, and caused some concern among the populace. Several noble families had been involved, the core one being the Cortana Family, which had practically been eradicated during Dagan's final struggle. Also, a member of the Monet Family was found with the kidnappers, however he was quickly disowned by the family, and had the Army not intervened, the patriarch from the family himself would have probably killed him.

That being said, his end was certain, since the Temple was not one to mess with the descent of Fake Gods. They had not made much of a ruckus, since the descent was stopped quickly, and even the Second Dragon General had arrived to take charge, so the Temple decided only to assist with the investigation. They were adamant in finding out if other families were involved with House Cortana, however all of their friends were quite quick to repudiate them and even spit on their graves, less they be considered as being heretics and visited by the Inquisition.

House Salento was also one of the families that were on tenterhooks, since the bastard son of Rudolf, the family patriarch, was also involved with the heretics. However, there were many witnesses that attested that Rudolf had in fact fought against Eren, and had even held him back.

In one of the biggest and most luxurious manors in the city, the Salentos could not help but be a bit fearful. After all, Bishop Loretto, one of the members of the Red Priests, the leader from the Temple branch in the County, was currently talking with the Patriarch Rudolf in his study. They were fearful of what the Temple might do to them.

Bishop Loretto, was a bald, kind-looking man, who was currently smiling at Rudolf while talking.

"I've been briefed about what happened at the Ruins. Such a travesty that even to this day there are people that still have the nerve to believe and invoke the name of False Gods. Honor be to EON, that they managed to be stopped immediately, wouldn't you agree, Lord Marquis? It's a shame that a son of yours was actually implicated. However as far as I'm concerned, you were the one to confront him during the fight. Yet you, a powerful and resourceful Qi Emperor did not manage to gain any advantage at all. Some people might think it is strange." said Loretto with a plastered smile on his face. However, few people were not afraid of that smile.

"Your Excellency, you may put your doubts to rest. It's true that Eren was a son of mine, however, he was truly an outcast, and had barely any contact with the family or with me. He is just a bastard, who was fortunate enough to be born from a younger time of mine, when I was a bit more frisky with my behaviour. I did try to help him a couple of times, but he was truly disappointing time and time again. I was truly enraged by his participation in these endeavours, which is why I fought with him to kill him myself for his heresy. However, the power granted to him by that fake god managed to restrain me. I apologize if for my delay some lives were lost. Fortunately it all ended well. We can only thank the opportune arrival of Lieutenant Serena, or we all could have been bamboozled."

Rudolf answered quite calmly, while looking straight at the bishop, as if he had nothing to hide. He even had to praise Serena and House Vanillas for finding out about the kidnappings and spearheading the mission towards the ruins.

"Is that so? Well, I guess I won't take much more from your precious time. Should there be any new discoveries, I'll come back. Hopefully for you and your family, that won't be the case." said Bishop Loretto as he got up and left with his perennial smile.

Rudolf walked them out and then returned quietly and alone to his study. He then vomited blood. The anger, rancor and sorrow in his soul had deeply affected him. He was close to cursing loudly, but he managed to control himself. He knew that there could be eyes everywhere watching his every move.

'My son… My son. I promised your mother that I would take care of you. She was the only woman I've ever truly loved, but as a noble I could not marry her. After her death, you were my pride. I'm so sorry, my son. But don't you worry. I swear upon your grave. That House Vanilla will be buried to make you company in Hades. And that kid. He was the one that ruined our plan. Good… I will remember you.'

Rudolf was truly part of the kidnappers. He had simply lucked out, since part of the plan entailed that he would drag the Vanillas down from governance, and later he would go with them to the Ritual. He never put his all in the fight, however he was being watched constantly by Rudolf and Serena, so he could do nothing. The arrival of the Legendary Raven was also outside of his expectations. So he and his son simply made a play. If Dagan were to win, he would betray the nobles and quickly take Dagan's side. However, Serena's side won. He watched his beloved son die in front of his eyes, and worse yet, he had to curse him openly, otherwise the whole Salento Family would be doomed.

…

In another great manor in the rich part of Syracuse, a rejuvenated Nerun was getting up after a few hours of rest. While he had not suffered any grievous injuries, it was true that he was quite expended.

He then reunited with Evelin and the two magical beasts. Whitey had resumed his small frame, and was quite happy to see Nerun. After having breakfast, they had decided to leave. The Caravans were already functioning, so Nerun wanted to go to Eonia and meet his brother. On the other hand, Evelin wanted to stay with Nerun a bit more, but Raven had already decided to go back to the Great Forest of Balamur. After all, even though he was on good terms with the Kingdom of Ansem, few territories would feel comfortable with a Legendary expert staying for an unknown amount of time.

Before leaving Syracuse, though, they were led to a study, where they met Serena and Oliver. They were beaming since this operation had not only been a great success, but also served as a boon for them. They managed to fend off a fake god's descent. Rafal Sen Buran had been a witness, and they even landed a major blow on House Salento, since they had lost the support from the Cortana Family, and were currently trying to ingratiate themselves with the Temple, so they could not cause any trouble for House Vanilla even if they wanted.

Serena was to be given a commendation by the Royal Army, which would allow her to quickly increase in the ranks in the future. Also, the King himself had sent a letter promising some rewards for Serena and House Vanilla for their impressive management of the situation, even under so much pressure. However, Serena and Oliver knew very well, that the person responsible for their ultimate victory was the teen standing in front of them

Oliver and Serena did not know Nerun, nor Evelin, but they knew that they had a relation to the Legendary Raven who was watching intently from above, so they were actually being quite respectful. Both Nerun and Evelin did not want to appear on the official reports, which would mean that they could not be rewarded by the Kingdom. This meant that the full credit for the operation would be for Serena and her family, however, they did not want to owe Nerun anything. It was a matter of both principles, and even Will. For people with their power, owing people would make their Will stagnate and they would find it impossible to keep improving in the future.

Evelin did not want to appear on the report, since her standing was a bit complicated, and the Forest did not wish for the world to know about her. Nerun, however, simply did not care much about fame and gains, and also he wanted to stay low-key for now. He truly wanted to showcase his talents and ability to the world and make his parents proud, however if he were to be known too early, maybe someone would find out about his relation to Maikal, and also Armand. He did not want to risk it for something like fame. When he appeared in full power, it would be because he had made sure that no one would be able to hurt him or his loved ones easily. And when his true identity was known, it was because he would be strong enough to seek vengeance on his parents' killers.

"Boy, you are actually quite good. That young man named Sombra had a lot of nefarious means, and was considered an elite among Qi Praetorians, but you managed to defeat him cleanly, and afterwards broke the statue of that fake god. We really owe you one. Besides, I now know that you were the one that originally rescued the kidnapped children, and were involved in my daughter's plan to catch them all in one fell swoop. Few people from the younger generation manage to impress me, but you are certainly one of them. The cream of the crop I might add." Oliver said with a smile.

"It was nothing. That man named Sombra wasn't as strong as people make him to be. He is just good at hiding and attacking from the back. Once he is forced to attack frontally, he loses a lot of his advantages. I was just lucky to force him to do so." said Nerun in a humble manner.

"Hahahaha. There is no need to be so humble. Even if what you said is true, it does not take away your merit on this matter. I know that you don't want to appear in the report, which means my family got full credit for this operation. But I don't want to take advantage of you. So, we will give you some rewards." said Oliver, while raising his hand and stopping Nerun, who wanted to reject the gifts. "Don't be quick to say no. You have earned this. For now, we'll give you two thousand gold coins in a Mint Card. Some people may think that's a lot of many but it's barely nothing considering how much you've done for the County of Syracuse."

Nerun was astonished by the amount of the reward. Even though he had some of the money earned by killing Sagat, most of the liquid assets were taken by Maikal and left to his sisters and brothers in the Orphanage. This money would be very helpful for his endeavours in the future, so he was quite happy.

"Also, Nerun, you have our friendship. Take this badge with you. Whenever you are in Syracuse in the future, you may count with the Vanilla Family. I don't dare to say anything about other Counties, but in Syracuse we'll make sure you can get whatever you need. Also, please feel free to request anything you need. We'll try to accommodate you to the best of your abilities." smiled Oliver.

Nerun was quite happy with what he got. He thought for a bit and then spoke, "Actually, maybe there is something you can help me with. I would like a manual to train on the sword. I think it's about time to start learning to use a weapon, and I currently lack a manual for sword training. Would you have one you can lend me?"

When Nerun said that, Oliver frowned a bit. Nerun thought that he had been too presumptuous to ask for a sword manual, after all, Martial manuals and techniques were the cornerstone for any clan and sect. Nevertheless, before Nerun could say anything, Oliver talked once again. "This is a minor issue. The only thing is that our Family is not an expert in sword techniques. The very best experts in swordsmanship in the Kingdom are in two places. The Army, with Lord Falma as the greatest sword expert in the world. And also House Alaria, one of the Five Great Families. The rest may have some manuals, but they do not specialize in the use of the sword. Our Family usually tends to use spears and polearms and we have several excellent techniques and manuals that we could give you if you'd like. We have some sword manuals, but they are quite basic, and we give them to our guards."

"I'm actually fine with a basic sword manual. I've never really used a sword before, so I'll first start from the basics. Afterwards I can find a Sword Style Manual in Eonia." said Nerun happily.

"Father, there is that old book in the library. Do you remember? the one in the upper corner of the third bookshelf." said Serena.

"You are absolutely right. Nerun, we do have a book that may be of some use. At least it's better than the basic manuals that we give to the guards. This book is a relic of our family, one of our ancestors got it from a Qi Saint a long time ago, which my ancestor helped one time. In order to repay my ancestor's grace he wrote a manual. He was an ancient sword expert. The manual is called "The Sword of Beginning and the End". The name is actually a misnomer, it's about the basics of the sword, and people in my family stopped favoring the sword a long time ago. However, it is true that it is one of the most detailed manuals for the classic use of the sword in existence. It goes from all the basic moves, explaining the proper flow of using the sword as a warrior. Actually the part about the sword moves can be found anywhere else. Most of the book is about the philosophy of the Way of the Sword. The Army, over the years, has developed new theories and advancement in the path of the sword, so the book could be considered outdated. But it could help you, at the very least in the beginning, until you find yourself a proper master. What do you say, would you like the manual?" asked Oliver.

Nerun was ecstatic, and quickly accepted. This gift was truly wonderful for him, since he had no master to teach him in the way of the sword. He would have been perfectly happy with a basic sword manual, what more a book that was detailed about the basics. Oliver gave him the old manual, as well as the new revised basic manual that was distributed by the army. That way Nerun could compare and learn the basics on his own. He would probably need a master that later taught him a proper Sword Style.

Actually, Nerun had asked for a Sword Manual, because one of the things he took from the Ruins was the rusty sword that Ego Sum had used to destroy the statue. He had taken a particular liking to it, and he was planning to train with the Rusty Sword for now. Nerun, Evelin and the rest left the study and went to the City Gate. Serena, Oliver and several guards escorted them. Nerun was about to say goodbye, when Serena talked to him for the first time.

"Nerun, what's your relationship with him? He does not have any apparent relatives, and I didn't know who you were previously, but when I saw his symbol, which you left in the manor, I decided to gamble on your plan. Could you tell me, if I'm not imposing on you."

"Hehehe… Beautiful big sister, it seems you do not remember me. But I remember how you helped us back then, six years ago. I'm actually on my way to find him." said Nerun, as he left with Evelin and the beasts without looking back.

Serena's eyes dilated, as she remembered when she first met the young warrior that was currently on the Top of the Royal Army. Her expression was one of shock and surprise. Oliver noticed Serena's change of expression, and couldn't help but ask.

"Serena, do you know Nerun's background? Why did you decide to risk it all for his plan, when you had no idea who he was?"

After she calmed down, she turned to her father and said: "I believe that our House is about to rise, Father. Do you recall our conversation when I first came after this case started?"

"Yes, we were talking about Lord Elijah's unstoppable rise in the Army, and that his promotion could probably be around the corner. There are many who want to get in his good book, however, barely anyone knows much about him. He is only known to be affiliated to House Baruna. You told me this could be our chance, since you know him from way back. Wait… Don't tell me."

"Indeed. That boy named Nerun, is his brother. Elijah No Rademia's only known relative." said Serena with a smile as she watched Nerun getting further away under the horizon.